Visual Merchandising Manager

• Investigating industry best practice initiatives in relation to new ideas and trends
• Identifying and making use of all opportunities to improve the overall visual appeal of stores, thereby maximizing trade
• Ensure that the merchandise is displayed effectively
• Creating effective merchandise strategies to get a return on trading space
• Create and update merchandising tools, merchandise guide, merchandise key controls, and Store Manager's merchandise checklist
• Liaise closely with buyer/director to ensure product type is in line with the location and demographics
• Developing strategies with new store opening promotional products to introduce customers to the brand and optimise the chances of them repurchasing
• Ensuring the combination of great product skills and being analytical to increase sales
• Ensuring that the stock holding is aligned with the sales target
• Supervising the execution of all signage, graphics and visual elements
• Create floor plan and layout to dictate the flow of customer traffic and shopping habits
• Departments are located correctly to maximize sales
• Responsible for the execution within all stores
• Conducts regular store visits and spot checks to ensure compliance around markdowns and price changes
• Maximizing company sales and reducing further markdowns by implementing correct location, merchandising and timeous implementation throughout all stores
• Management of Visual Merchandising Assistant and instore VM champions and responsible for their overall development and performance
• Trains best practices on customer service skills, store standards and selling points
• Conducting regular store visits ensuring all staff are fully trained
• Analyse products in stores to formulate a turnaround strategy
• Works closely with Buyer/Planner to maximize profitability with core/seasonal product
• Develops an effective network of communication to ensure shared knowledge and understanding of business activity
• Effectively manages the performance and development of Visual Merchandise assistant to drive Visual Merchandise standards
• Identify and implement training interventions to achieve exceptional stock service levels across all stores

• A Diploma/Degree in Interior Décor or Design / Retail / Fashion / Design.
• Min 4 years' work experience in the retail apparel industry, as a Visual Merchandising Manager.
• Excellent technical knowledge of design software Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator and End user.
• Valid driver's license with own reliable transport. Travel on a national basis.
• The ability to interpret briefs and demonstrate creativity in generating creative concepts, as well as communicating directives to in-store VM champions and VM Assistant to ensure correct rollout.

• Strong creative problem-solving skills and proven ability to show initiative. The position requires great attention to detail and conceptual and creative ability.
• Good knowledge of company and merchandising policies and procedures in the retail environment.
• Excellent Eye for detail with a strong creative hand with ability to communicate key ideas to drive visual standards.
• Fluent in English, other languages are an advantageous.
• Strong administrative skills, excellent product knowledge, and passion for the company's products.
• Self-starter and team player.

Keystone Apparel Company